State lags joining 'Race to Top'

Hawaii failed to be selected as a finalist in the “;Race to the Top”; competition for $4.35 billion in federal funds to support education reform. Fifteen states and the District of Columbia beat out Hawaii in meeting the following criteria:

» Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy.

» Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals about how they can improve instruction.

» Recruiting, developing, rewarding and retaining effective teachers and principals.

» Turning around lowest-achieving schools.

Hawaii's education leaders often talk about education reform, but reform is happening more slowly in Hawaii than in many other states. Furthermore, Hawaii recently became the state with the shortest school year in the nation. Sometimes it seems as if Hawaii is in a “;Race to the Bottom.”;

Councilman Rod Tam should be prosecuted

If an employee stole $13,700 from his employer, the employer would probably call the police. I agree with City Councilman Charles Djou: Councilman Rod Tam should be prosecuted.

Also, if a councilman uses his city-funded contingency allowance for personal benefit, isn't this additional compensation to him that is subject to federal and Hawaii income tax?

Gambling could work for Hawaii's benefit

I believe that a large majority of citizens want gambling in Hawaii; however, some have “;guilt fears”; about this subject, especially when one views the sole reason for gambling as a way to make some quick money during these hard times. So let's view the idea of gaming as it would look if added to other things we need in our state.

For instance: Other states that have gaming as a major industry also have a college degree in gaming (”;How To Operate A Casino”;). They take their own residents and train them to run the state's gaming industry. This could open up student interest at the University of Hawaii, plus offer a chance to get a degree and be trained for a good job.

A similar combination of education and jobs is in the field of medical cannabis. Look at California: It is offering a degree in running a medical cannabis business. This could be done here and provide training in a new industry, plus bring students to UH.

Another possibility that might be explored: Several places in Asia and India are becoming wealthy manufacturing pharmaceuticals. Why could we not do this? It would take a minimum amount of land, needing only warehouse space.

State income tax is a drag on the economy

This year, once again, we are faced with not merely completing our federal income tax forms but also the state income tax forms. That's too much work.

A number of states do not have a state income tax. Among them are Washington, Texas, Wyoming and Nevada. If they can do without a state income tax, why not Hawaii?

Were we to abolish the state income tax, think of all the wealthy people we would attract into the state. Some of them would start new businesses, create more jobs and benefit the state. Moreover, the money not spent on state income taxes would be available for spending at local mom-and-pop stores, or anywhere. Our economy would get a very big boost.

Kalaupapa residents oppose land transfer

Senate Bill 2771 and its corresponding House version would transfer management of Kalaupapa (Kalawao County) to the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands when there is no longer a patient community in Kalaupapa.

The bill would also transfer all Department of Land and Natural Resources lands in Kalawao County to DHHL, which will then be required to transfer Kalawao County to the controlling native Hawaiian sovereign entity upon recognition. The bill states further that the native Hawaiian sovereign government, at its discretion, will then be able to sell the lands of Kalaupapa.

The bill's author, Sen. Kalani English, has been quoted as having consulted with and received approval of the bill from Kalaupapa's patient community. This is completely false. None of the patient community here in Kalaupapa was ever informed of Bill No. 2771, nor do we support it. Its intent counters our wish that Kalaupapa continue to be managed by the National Park Service, as it has for the past 30 years, which is committed to the preservation and protection of the natural, cultural and archeological resources here.